Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana Part B
Narayan's Ramayana Part B
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| Rama and Sita Source: Google Image |
Structure
First, I want to discuss the structure of this novel so far. I love the way Narayan has turned several narratives and poems into one epic that flows from story to story. It allows the reader to connect different stories to each other, have a better understanding of characters and their role in this world, and adds an entertainment factor that a collection of separate poems would not be able to convey. I think I will use this idea in my own storybook. Rather than have several separate stories, I'll attempt to create one large narrative that encompasses all of the short stories I intend to create. Readers will be able to connect characters from different stories to each other and integrate them into a bigger picture. Although it may appear as more reading choosing this version of the Ramayana, I am not disappointed in my choice and actually find myself eagerly flipping the page to find out what happens next.
Female Characters
With that being said, I find myself becoming very attached to the protagonists and disappointed when they do something out of character. As I am sure you have gathered, I like strong, powerful, independent female characters. Although I like Sita for her obvious positive traits, she does not embody the type of female protagonist I am typically attracted to. In Part B, she particular annoyed me. I found her to be naive, spoiled, and fragile. First, she demanded her husband get an animal for her simply because she found it unique. This demonstrated how spoiled she was as well as her inability to do things for herself. Second, she refused to believe Lakshmana when he tried to convince her that Rama was OK, and the cries of help she heard were a trick. This demonstrated how naive and ignorant she was, and lastly, she threatened to kill herself if Lakshmana did not go help Rama because the the thought of her living without her husband was unbearable. This showed her lack of independence. I still find myself rooting for Sita, but her character so far has just left the reader thinking human females cause nothing, but trouble and are more of a burden than they are worth. This is again highlighted in Soorpanaka's character since she ruined her life as well as Ravana's simply because she could not have Rama.
If I were to rewrite this part of the narrative, I would have Lakshmana be the one tricked into Ravana's plan to trap Sita and have Sita be the one to fight to get Lakshmana back. For Soorpanaka, I would have made her much more independent and confident. She threw herself at Rama not once, not twice, but three times just to end up threatening suicide when she could not have him. This only further perpetuates the idea that a woman needs a man in order to live. For her character, I would instead have her hatred for Sita be based on competition for a power of some sort rather than for Rama's attention. Although I like the story so far, there will definitely be changes in my version of events that won't make the women appear to be so weak and the men, so all-powerful.
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